RADIOFREQUENCY – ASSISTED
LIPOSUCTION (RFAL) in FORT COLLINS
- New developments in equipment and techniques have made liposuction in Fort Collins even more popular than ever.
- A big advantage of adding radiofrequency energy is the ability to tighten skin up to 35% – without cutting any skin out.
- Skin that is lax or hangs slightly can now be tightened, in many cases, using minimally invasive techniques. Learn more about the liposuction and fat removal procedures offered in our Fort Collins surgery center.
Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction (RFAL) is an advanced body contouring procedure that combines traditional liposuction with radiofrequency energy to remove stubborn fat while simultaneously tightening the skin. This innovative technique is ideal for individuals who want to achieve a smoother, more sculpted appearance without the loose skin often associated with fat removal. At Plastic Surgical Associates in Fort Collins, CO, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Diane Duncan uses RFAL to target areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, and neck, delivering natural-looking results with less downtime. Serving Northern Colorado, including Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley, Dr. Duncan helps patients achieve a more toned, youthful contour and renewed confidence.
REAL PATIENT STORY
Left: Patient before treatment.
Right: 6 weeks after liposuction plus radiofrequency assisted skin tightening.
Note the dramatic improvement in contour and reduced prominence of stretch marks.
To view more liposuction before and after photos, click here to visit my gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Plastic Surgical Associates in Fort Collins, CO, we understand that choosing plastic surgery is a significant decision, and you likely have many questions. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section provides detailed answers about our surgical procedures, including breast augmentation, tummy tucks, facelifts, liposuction, and arm contouring. We address common concerns about recovery time, anesthesia options, safety, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Serving patients throughout Northern Colorado, including Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley, we’re committed to providing clear, helpful information so you can feel confident and informed every step of the way.
I haven’t ever heard of this procedure. I know about VASERlipo® and Smartlipo. Why don’t you use either of these anymore?
Neither Vaser nor Smartlipo can create this dramatic level of skin tightening and contour improvement. Vaser produces an 8-10% skin surface area reduction, about the same as traditional liposuction or SAL. Smartlipo can create a 13-17% skin surface reduction. Using radiofrequency in combination with liposuction can give up to 35% skin surface contraction as measured with a Canfield computerized Vectra system.
Left: 34-year-old with gynecomastia and abdominal lipodystrophy. Right: Six weeks following treatment with J-Plasma® to flanks, chest, and abdomen.
He felt the project “turned out really well”. He returned to work 3 days postop and resumed gym workouts at about 5 weeks.
Back in the late 1980’s, when liposuction was new, people were happy with just having fat gone. Now we all want more: less risk, less down time, and skin that doesn’t look wavy or ripply. What’s changed?
Because liposuction remains at the top of the popularity list monitored by ASAPS, both practitioners and consumers continue to focus on improving outcomes. The use of tumescent fluid infused before removing fat reduces blood loss and perioperative discomfort. A close tab on the use of lidocaine reduces the risk of lidocaine toxicity. Limiting the amount of fat removed in an outpatient setting has made the procedure safer. Also, use of soft tissue tightening has greatly reduced the likelihood of wavy, ripply skin. Nowadays, instead of using superficial liposuction for that purpose, RF-based devices can achieve measurable skin tightening without adding risk. This provides our liposuction patients in Fort Collins with skin tightening benefits.
I’ve heard that men have mostly “Internal fat” that cannot be removed with liposuction. What is a realistic expectation for a result in a man who has a bulging abdomen?
Left: 48-year-old with a desk job. Right: Patient three months after RFAL by Dr. Duncan.
The patient still has a slight bulge due to internal or omental fat. This can easily be lost with a low carb diet in men. Women tend to have a bit more subcutaneous fat. Their results with diet and exercise are much slower.
I’ve heard that the flank area is difficult to get good results with the flank area as the fat there can be “athletic”. What does that mean?
An Austrian colleague explained it to me: old fat is usually soft, or pudding-like. Young fat is usually more fibrous and can be found even in otherwise trim athletes. Soft fat responds quite well to liposuction. The more fibrous fat can be stubborn. These types of areas are very responsive to the addition of RF energy.
Left: 36-year-old had diet/ exercise resistant spots. Right: Same patient, same underwear 3 months post RFAL.
What about thighs? My friend had hers done and now the skin looks drapey and has divots. Can liposuction fix cellulite?
Left: 28-year-old with cellulite and fat in the inner and outer thigh region. Right: Six months after RFAL. Using RF heat to tighten skin gives a smooth look postop.